Insightful New Year's Resolutions for 2012

by Sally Philips

It's that time of year again, when we all promise to correct our bad habits and become perfect people. Riiiiight! As we all know, New Year's resolutions are made to be broken . . . but that doesn't mean we shouldn't make them. Whether we stick to them is not always the point. It's more about adjusting our focus each year to gain greater awareness. Little by little, that awareness can help us clean up our mucky areas and get closer to living the lives we desire.

Here are some New Year's resolutions for every horoscope sign that are likely to ring your awareness bell. 

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

If one of your resolutions last year was to finish projects that are still sitting on your shelf ... it's time to box them up and make room for a brand new endeavor. Here's the resolution you will need to make it a success: I won't start a new project until I finish the one I'm working on.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Your fixed energy makes you great at followthrough, but it can also keep you stuck in bad habits. Resolve to tackle a few of your worst ones this year. If you are true to your resolutions for just three months, you will be well on your way to breaking even the most stubborn habit.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Your whirlwind life can be a lot of fun -- and it certainly isn't boring -- but it might serve you well to slow down this coming year. Even though patience isn't your strong suit, try adding a dash of it here and there. It will help you make progress in areas where your bouncy energy has actually been holding you back.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

You love your routines and your security, but it's time to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Resolve to reach out into unknown territory and see what you find this year. If it feels scary, remember that you're in the right place, coming up on an edge where you need to stretch further.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)

Have you used your irresistible charms to capture emotional prisoners this past year? If you're a player -- and you know who you are -- resolve to be more devoted this year. Open up that big heart of yours and take your relationships to a deeper level.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)

Nag, nag, nag ... the only time you stop is when you're nitpicking. Okay, that's a huge exaggeration ... but chances are you've gotten on someone's case a little too often this past year. Resolve to lighten up in the new year and let others take care of dotting the i's and crossing the t's.